The staff groups of the Volta River Authority (VRA) have paused some of their planned actions temporarily while they wait for the full withdrawal of bills concerning the proposed merger of the VRA and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
This decision followed the Energy Ministry’s request for Parliament to put the consideration of these bills on hold, as many VRA employees are strongly opposed to them.
The groups have been outspoken against merging the VRA with the Bui Power Authority, NEDCo, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
They view the draft bill proposing a merger with the Bui Power Authority as a move to form a new entity that might eventually be sold, raising concerns about job security and the future of the organization.
On October 29, the VRA staff groups officially informed the Energy Minister about their partial pause on actions. They voiced their frustration, noting they hadn’t been fully informed of the Ministry’s intentions regarding the mergers and the bill suspensions.
Despite these concerns, the staff groups assured the Minister that they would continue their work uninterrupted, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining stability as discussions about the future of Ghana’s energy sector continue.
This suspension is seen as a temporary step, with the staff groups staying alert for any new updates.
“Even though we were not officially informed, to keep our word and show respect for your office, we notify you that we are partially suspending some of our actions, awaiting the complete withdrawal of the bills,” their statement read.
Previously, the management and staff leaders had urged Herbert Krapa, the Minister of State at the Energy Ministry, to support withdrawing the merger bills from Parliament.
They expressed optimism that this would help maintain a peaceful work environment at the VRA and NEDCo.
